Annulment of Marriage Solicitors in London

An annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void, treating it as if it never legally existed. You can apply for annulment of marriage if your marriage is void or voidable. Unlike divorce or dissolution, an annulment can be applied for at any time after the ceremony, even within the first year. An annulment, also known as a decree of nullity, is a legal process that declares a marriage legally invalid or voidable. Under English law, an annulment of marriage or civil partnership may be granted by the family court if you can show that the marriage or civil partnership:

• was never legally valid (‘void’)
• was legally valid, but meets one of the reasons that make it ‘voidable’

Annulment (sometimes known as ‘nullity’) is a different legal way of ending a marriage. Annulment of marriage is a court order (decree) issued by a family court stating that a marriage or civil partnership was not legally valid or had become legally invalid. If the family court grants an annulment, it will issue either:

• A Nullity of Marriage Order for a void marriage; or
• A Decree of Nullity for a voidable marriage.

• Page Contents 
• Ask a Question Online
• The Annulment Process
• When and How to Apply?
• Grounds for Annulment
• Examples of Void/Voidable Marriage
• Statement to Support Nullity Petition
• Financial Settlement After Annulment
• Child Arrangements After Annulment
• How We Can Help
• Our Team of Annulment Solicitors
• Book An Appointment
• Why Choose Us?
• Our Fixed Fees
• Get a Quote
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ask a Question About the Nullity of Marriage

If you are considering an annulment of marriage in England and Wales, obtaining clear, accurate, and tailored legal advice at an early stage is essential. At Premium Solicitors, we provide a convenient and confidential online enquiry service, allowing you to ask questions about your annulment matter and receive guidance from experienced family law solicitors.

To benefit from our 5-minute free annulment of civil partnership advice service, complete the enquiry form below or call us on 020 3930 3900 today.

The Annulment Process in England & Wales

 Seek Legal Advice – We assess whether you meet the annulment criteria.

 File a Nullity Petition – Your solicitor prepares and submits the court application.

 Court Review – The court considers your petition and the other party’s response.

 Decree of Nullity – If successful, the court issues a decree declaring the marriage void.

Time Limits for Annulment

Void relationships – No time limit.

Voidable relationships – Usually, you must apply for annulment within 3 years of the ceremony (with some exceptions).

When and How You Can Apply for Annulment of Marriage

You can apply for annulment of marriage by filing a nullity petition. You should send two copies of the petition to your nearest family court and keep one for yourself.

For a family court in England & Wales to have jurisdiction to annul your marriage or civil partnership, you or your spouse/civil partner must have either:

• lived in England or Wales for at least a year
• had a permanent home in England or Wales for at least 6 months

Unlike divorce and dissolution of a civil partnership, you can apply for annulment in the first year of your marriage / civil partnership or any time after. However, if you apply years after the marriage or civil partnership, you might be asked to explain the delay.

Grounds for Annulment of Marriage

You will need to show that the marriage:

• was never legally valid (‘void’)
• was legally valid, but meets one of the reasons that make it ‘voidable’

What is a Void Marriage?

You can apply to annul a marriage if it was not legally valid in the first place, for example:

• you are closely related to the person you married with
• one or both of you were under 16
• one of you was already married

If a marriage was never legally valid, the law says that it never existed. However, you may need legal paperwork (a ‘decree of nullity’) to prove this - for example, if you want to get married again or register your civil partnership again.

What is a Voidable Marriage?

You can annul a marriage for a number of reasons, such as:

• it was not consummated - you have not had sexual intercourse with the person you married since the wedding (does not apply to same-sex couples)
• you did not properly consent to the marriage - for example, you were forced into it
• the other person had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) when you got married
• the woman was pregnant with another man's child when you got married 
• one spouse is in the process of transitioning to a different gender

As with divorce, your marriage legally exists until you annul it using one of these reasons.

Examples of Void or Voidable Marriage

 Examples of a void marriage/civil partnership include:

• One or both parties were under 16 at the time.
• One party was already married or in a civil partnership.
• The couple are closely related.

Examples of a voidable marriage/civil partnership include:

• The marriage was not consummated (for opposite-sex marriages).
• One party did not consent (due to duress, lack of mental capacity, or intoxication).
• The other party had a sexually transmitted infection at the time of marriage.
• The other party was pregnant with someone else's child at the time of marriage.
• One party was in the process of transitioning to a different gender without full disclosure.

Statement in Support of Nullity Petition

You must also fill in a statement confirming that what you said in your nullity petition is true.

Use one of the forms below, depending on whether your marriage is ‘void’ or ‘voidable’:

• statement in support of annulment - void marriage
• statement in support of annulment - voidable marriage

Financial Settlement After an Annulment

Yes. In many cases, the court can still make financial orders following an annulment of marriage. This may include:

• Division of assets;
• Spousal maintenance;
• Property adjustment orders;
• Pension sharing orders.

At Premium Solicitors, our divorce and family law solicitors can provide expert advice on financial settlements following annulment proceedings.

Child Arrangements Following Annulment

If children are involved, annulment proceedings do not affect parental responsibility or the court’s ability to make decisions relating to children. We can assist with:

• Child Arrangements Orders;
• Child maintenance issues;
• Specific Issue Orders;
• Prohibited Steps Orders.

Our solicitors always prioritise the child's welfare and best interests.

How Our Lawyers Can Help

Our specialist team of annulment solicitors understands the sensitivity of annulment matters and that every individual is in a different situation. To make your life easier, you can seek expert legal advice and representation from our specialist annulment solicitors, who are highly trained and experienced in all aspects of annulment laws and court procedures and will guide and support you throughout the court process to annul your marriage. We will cut through the legal jargon and ensure you understand exactly what’s happening at all times. Our team of experienced annulment solicitors will provide the legal help and guidance you need, with a step-by-step procedure for obtaining an annulment of your marriage.

Our team of annulment solicitors will advise and assist you in meeting your individual needs. We will discuss the possible grounds on which you can apply for the nullity of your marriage after gathering all the relevant factual information from you. Our annulment solicitors will explain the court procedures to you in straightforward, transparent terms, thoroughly guiding you through the process and handling all follow-up work until the family court issues the annulment order.

Our specialist family law solicitors can assist you with:

• Assessing whether your marriage qualifies for annulment.
• Preparing and submitting annulment applications.
• Advising on void and voidable marriages.
• Representing you in family court proceedings.
• Financial settlement negotiations.
• Child-related matters connected to annulment.
• International and overseas marriage issues.

We provide professional legal services with sensitivity, discretion, and practical guidance throughout the process.

Our Team of Family Law Solicitors for Annulment of Marriage

At Premium Solicitors, our experienced team of divorce and family law solicitors can provide expert legal advice and representation for annulment of marriage applications in England and Wales. If your marriage is legally invalid or voidable, you may be able to apply for a decree of nullity to formally annul the marriage instead of applying for a divorce.

Our specialist annulment solicitors understand that annulment proceedings can be emotionally sensitive and legally complex. We provide clear legal advice tailored to your circumstances and guide you through every stage of the annulment process.

The high quality of legal services provided by our best team of annulment solicitors is self-evident from the 5-star Google Reviews rating by 99% of our clients. Our London-based annulment solicitors are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering unwavering dedication and exceptional legal support for a wide range of divorce and family law cases. Our annulment solicitors bring more than 5 decades of collective, specialised expertise to handle nullity petitions.

Meet Our Team of Annulment Solicitors in London

At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our annulment solicitors in London. We understand that annulment of marriage is a life-changing event, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the annulment process with professionalism and care. 

Our team comprises a diverse group of annulment solicitors, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your needs.

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Schedule Your Consultation With Our Annulment Solicitors

Are you seeking expert legal advice and consultation from our highly experienced and qualified team of annulment solicitors and lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated annulment law specialists. Our expert team of annulment solicitors and lawyers can provide detailed advice and consultation, face-to-face in our London office or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:

• Book An Appointment Online With Our Annulment Solicitors in London

Our annulment solicitors are ready to assist you with your nullity petition. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.

Why Choose Premium Solicitors for a Nullity Petition?

• Experienced divorce and family law solicitors.
• Fixed-fee legal services are available.
• Clear and practical legal advice.
• Face-to-face and remote appointments available.
• Available 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• Representation for clients across England and Wales.
• Excellent client care and strong reputation for legal services.

Our Fixed Fees for Annulment of Marriage / Civil Partnership

Get a Fixed Fee Quote for Annulment of Marriage

FAQs - Annulment of Marriage

The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about annulment of marriage in England and Wales:

What is the annulment of marriage in England and Wales?

Annulment of marriage, also known as nullity of marriage, is a legal process through which the court declares that a marriage is either void or voidable. Unlike divorce, which ends a legally valid marriage, annulment concerns whether the marriage was legally valid in the first place or whether there is a legal reason it should be treated as invalid.

At Premium Solicitors, our specialist divorce and family law solicitors can advise you on whether annulment is the right legal route for your circumstances and assist you with preparing and submitting a nullity application to the Family Court.

What is the difference between annulment and divorce?

The main difference between annulment and divorce is that divorce ends a valid marriage, whereas annulment deals with a marriage that is legally invalid or defective.

You may apply for a divorce only after you have been married for at least one year. However, an application for annulment can be made within the first year of marriage if the legal grounds for annulment are met. Annulment is not available simply because the marriage has broken down; you must prove that the marriage is either void or voidable.

What is a void marriage?

A void marriage is treated in law as never having been legally valid. This means the marriage is considered not to have legally existed, although you may still need a formal court order to prove your marital status.

Examples of void marriages may include situations where:

• one party was already married or in a civil partnership at the time of the marriage;
• the parties were too closely related;
• one or both parties were under the legal age for marriage;
• the marriage did not comply with the legal formalities required for a valid marriage.

If your marriage is void, you may need a nullity of marriage order to confirm your legal position, particularly if you wish to remarry or resolve financial matters.

What is a voidable marriage?

A voidable marriage is a marriage that was legally valid at the time it took place but can be annulled if one of the legal grounds applies. Until the court grants a nullity order, the marriage remains legally valid.

Examples of voidable marriage grounds may include:

• the marriage has not been consummated, although this ground does not apply to same-sex couples;
• one party did not properly consent to the marriage, for example due to pressure, duress, mistake or forced marriage;
• one party had a sexually transmitted disease at the time of marriage;
• the wife was pregnant by another person at the time of marriage;
• one party was in the process of transitioning to another gender;
• other legally recognised grounds under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.

Our family law solicitors can assess whether your circumstances fall within the legal grounds for annulment.

Can I annul my marriage if I was forced into it?

Yes, you may be able to apply for an annulment if you did not properly consent to the marriage. A lack of proper consent may arise where someone was forced, pressured, threatened or otherwise unable to make a free and informed decision to marry.

Forced marriage cases can be highly sensitive and may also involve protective remedies such as a Forced Marriage Protection Order. Premium Solicitors can provide confidential legal advice and help you take appropriate steps to protect your legal rights and personal safety.

Can I annul my marriage if it was never consummated?

In some cases, yes. A marriage may be voidable if it has not been consummated because the parties have not had sexual intercourse after the wedding. However, this ground does not apply to same-sex marriages.

Non-consummation cases can be fact-sensitive, and the court may require proper evidence. Our annulment solicitors can advise you on whether this ground applies and how best to present your case.

Can I apply for an annulment within the first year of marriage?

Yes. Unlike divorce, you do not need to wait one year before applying for annulment. If you have only recently married and believe there is a legal reason why the marriage is void or voidable, you may be able to apply for annulment immediately.

However, annulment is only available where the legal grounds are met. If the marriage has simply broken down, divorce or judicial separation may be more appropriate.

Is there a time limit for applying for annulment?

There is no general one-year waiting period for annulment. However, delay can sometimes affect an annulment application, particularly in voidable marriage cases. If you apply several years after the marriage, the court may ask why you delayed.

Some voidable marriage grounds may also be subject to specific restrictions or time limits. It is therefore important to seek legal advice as early as possible.

How do I apply for an annulment in England and Wales?

To apply for annulment, you must complete and file a nullity application with the court. You will need to explain whether you say the marriage is void or voidable and provide the legal basis for your application.

The annulment process may involve:

• Taking legal advice on whether annulment is available;
• Preparing the nullity application;
• Filing the application with the Family Court;
• Serving the application on the other party;
• Applying for a conditional nullity order;
• Applying for a final nullity order.

Premium Solicitors can assist you from the initial advice stage through to the final order.

What is a nullity of marriage order?

A nullity of marriage order is the formal court order confirming that the marriage has been annulled. It is the legal document that proves the marriage is void or has been annulled as voidable.

A final nullity order may be required if you want to remarry, update your legal records or deal with financial matters following the annulment.

How much does it cost to apply for an annulment?

The court fee for filing an application for divorce, nullity or civil partnership dissolution is currently £612. You may also need to pay legal fees if you instruct solicitors to advise, prepare and represent you.

Premium Solicitors offer clear and transparent legal fees for annulment and family law matters. We can discuss your circumstances and provide a fixed-fee quote where possible.

Can I get help with court fees for annulment?

You may be able to apply for help with court fees if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. This is known as the Help with Fees scheme. Eligibility depends on your income, savings and personal circumstances.

Our solicitors can guide you on the court fee position and whether you may be eligible to apply for fee remission.

Do I need my spouse’s consent for annulment?

Not necessarily. You can apply for annulment even if your spouse does not agree. However, if the application is defended, the case may become more complex and may require additional evidence, court directions and possibly a hearing.

If your spouse is likely to dispute the annulment, it is important to obtain specialist legal advice before submitting your application.

What happens if my spouse contests the annulment?

If your spouse contests the annulment, the court may require further evidence and may list the case for directions or a hearing. The court will consider whether the legal grounds for annulment have been proved.

Premium Solicitors can advise you on the strength of your case, prepare your evidence and represent your interests in contested nullity proceedings.

Can I annul a marriage that took place abroad?

You may be able to apply for annulment in England and Wales if the court has jurisdiction and if the marriage is recognised or treated in a way that allows the English court to deal with it. International marriage cases can be complicated because the validity of the marriage may depend on the law of the country where the marriage took place, domicile, residence and other jurisdictional factors.

If you were married abroad and now live in England or Wales, our specialist family law solicitors can advise you on whether annulment, divorce, a declaration of marital status or another legal remedy is appropriate.

Can I annul an Islamic Nikah or religious marriage?

This depends on whether the religious ceremony created a legally recognised marriage under the law of England and Wales or under the law of the country where the marriage took place.

A religious-only ceremony in England and Wales may not always amount to a valid civil marriage. In some cases, the issue may not be annulment but whether there was a legally recognised marriage at all. You should seek legal advice before taking action, particularly if there are children, property, immigration issues or financial claims involved.

Can I apply for an annulment if I discovered my spouse was already married?

Yes, if your spouse was already legally married or in a civil partnership at the time of your marriage, your marriage may be void. This is one of the common grounds for annulment.

You may still need a court order to formally prove that the marriage was invalid, especially if you wish to remarry or need legal documentation for official purposes.

Can I get a financial settlement after an annulment?

Yes, in many cases, the court may still be able to make financial orders following annulment. Financial claims may include matters relating to property, savings, pensions, maintenance and other assets.

Annulment does not automatically resolve financial matters. You should seek legal advice to ensure that your financial claims are properly protected and, where appropriate, finalised by a court-approved financial order.

What happens to children if a marriage is annulled?

Annulment does not remove parental responsibility or prevent either parent from applying for child arrangements. If there are children of the family, arrangements may need to be made for where the children live, how much time they spend with each parent and how decisions about their upbringing are made.

Premium Solicitors can advise you on child arrangements, parental responsibility, specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders where required.

Will annulment affect my immigration status?

An annulment may affect your immigration status if your visa or leave to remain depends on your marriage, for example, if you hold a spouse visa, partner visa, or dependant visa. Ending or annulling the marriage may have serious immigration consequences.

Premium Solicitors provides both family law and UK immigration law services, allowing us to advise you on the family law and immigration implications together.

Is annulment suitable if my marriage has simply broken down?

Usually, no. Annulment is not based on the relationship breaking down. It is only available where the marriage is legally void or voidable. If your marriage has broken down but there are no legal grounds for annulment, divorce may be the correct route.

Our family law solicitors can advise whether annulment, divorce or judicial separation is more appropriate for your circumstances.

How long does an annulment take?

The timescale for annulment depends on whether the application is agreed or contested, how quickly the court processes the case, whether service is straightforward and whether further evidence is required.

An uncontested annulment may be more straightforward, whereas a defended annulment can take significantly longer. We can provide a realistic estimate once we have reviewed your circumstances.

Do I need a solicitor for an annulment?

You are not legally required to instruct a solicitor, but annulment can be legally complex. You must identify the correct ground, prepare the application properly, provide evidence and comply with court procedure.

A solicitor can help you avoid errors, assess whether annulment is legally available and advise you on linked issues such as finances, children, immigration status and future remarriage.

Why choose Premium Solicitors for the annulment of a marriage?

Premium Solicitors have a specialist team of divorce and family law solicitors advising clients on annulment, divorce, judicial separation, financial settlements and children matters.

Clients choose us because we offer:

• specialist family law advice;
• clear guidance on void and voidable marriages;
• advice on financial and children matters linked to annulment;
• combined family law and immigration law expertise where required;
• fixed fee options where possible;
• appointments by phone, video call and in person;
• offices in London and Birmingham;
• legal services available 7 days a week.

How can I speak to an annulment solicitor?

You can contact Premium Solicitors to book an appointment with one of our specialist annulment and family law solicitors. We can assess your circumstances, advise whether you have grounds for annulment and guide you through the court process from start to finish.

Call Premium Solicitors on 020 3930 3900 today or book an appointment online for expert legal advice on annulment of marriage in England and Wales.